Armenia protest leader arrested after failed talks with PM

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — The leader of major political protests that have gripped the Armenian capital for more than a week was arrested Sunday, while the streets of Yerevan echoed with blaring car horns as protesters tried a new technique for expressing opposition.

The protests that began on April 13 center on the appointment of former President Serzh Sargsyan as prime minister, part of Armenia's transition to a governmental system that reduces the powers of the presidency and bolsters the premier's.

Critics say the change effectively allows Sargsyan to lead the country for life.

Sargsyan and protest leader Nikola Pashinian met Sunday morning for brief televised talks. The prime minister walked out after Pashinian made it clear he would only discuss Sargsyan's resignation.

The protest leader was arrested later in the day.

As crowds gathered in various areas of Yerevan, police tried to break them up and there were clashes between officers and some protesters.

As of late afternoon, 232 demonstrators had been detained, police spokesman Ashot Aragonian said. The health ministry said seven people were hospitalized for problems related to the demonstrations.

Demonstrators congregated in the evening at the city's central Republic Square, where previous protests over the past week have attracted as many as 50,000 people.